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Th NEC Corporation is the world’s largest maker of semiconductors and a major computer manufacturer; based in Tokyo; originally Nippon Electric Company, founded 1898 as a partnership with Western Electric of U.S. to distribute telephone equipment; became major influence in developing Japan’s telecommunications network; diversified into household appliances, especially radios, by 1920s; developed radar, microwave, and sonar communications during World War II; added television and computer technologies after the war; opened overseas factories beginning in 1960s.